Child Life Zones

At each of Teammates for Kids’ Child Life Zones, we’ve learned that it’s not enough to simply raise the money to build and open the zone. As with any other property, we need to have the resources to support the ongoing quality and programming within each zone, ensuring the long-term viability of these special places. Each zone must be maintained and updated to keep it functioning as a top-notch facility, with the latest technology, offering the best experience to the kids.

A Zone Angel is an individual or family in the local community who believes in the good work that goes on at the zone, and decides to make a 10-year financial commitment to maintaining that particular zone. For more information on becoming a Zone Angel, contact Jason Grahame.

A Child Life Zone is a state-of-the-art, therapeutic play area inside a hospital where pediatric patients and their families can play, learn, laugh, and relax. A sanctuary. A place to learn. A hang-out. A game center. A place to be the star of your own show. A place to connect. A place where a kid can be a kid.

Each zone is staffed by child life specialists, certified professionals who help children and their families cope with difficult medical challenges through play, education, and self-expression. Child life specialists teach patients about their illness and what to expect during treatment, and they provide support to patients and their families before, during, and after procedures.

Troy Aikman has harnessed the drive and dedication that formed the foundation of his Hall of Fame football career with the Dallas Cowboys in numerous successful business ventures since retiring from the game following the 2000 season. Through broadcasting, real estate, and Teammates For Kids, Aikman has quickly discovered numerous ways to keep himself occupied in “retirement.”

During Aikman’s 12-year playing career, he set 45 Cowboys passing records, won six NFC East titles (1992-1996 and 1998), and advanced to four NFC Championship games (1992-1995). Troy is one of only four quarterbacks to guide his team to victory in three Super Bowls (XXVII, XXVIII and XXX). After leaving the playing field, Aikman joined NFL on Fox full-time as a game analyst. He has received three Emmy nominations for his broadcasting efforts and has broadcast three Super Bowls (XXXIX, XLII and XLV). Born November 21, 1966, he was raised in Cerritos, California. At the age of 12, his family moved to Henryetta, Oklahoma. He currently resides in Dallas and has three daughters—Rachel, Jordan and Ally. www.troyaikman.com

HKS - Zone Designer

Since 1994 HKS has designed and delivered all of the CHILD LIFE ZONE projects for Teammates and The Troy Aikman Foundation. We are proud to have them as our partner! HKS is a leading architectural design firm ranked among the top-five architectural/ engineering firms in the U.S. They are recognized as global leaders creating more than buildings. They create purposeful, inspired
architecture. You may have seen some of their recent work: Cowboy’s Stadium, W Hotel Dallas and Los Angeles and the newest
Child Life Zone at Phoenix Children’s Hospital. HKSinc.com